BOSTON—Boston on Thursday became the latest city to ban artery-clogging artificial trans fats from food served in restaurants and grocery stores.
"This is a significant step forward in making Boston one of the healthiest cities in America," Mayor Thomas Menino said.
The ban, approved unanimously by the city's Public Health Commission, takes effect in two phases starting in the fall. Starting Sept. 13, restaurants, delis, schools, hospitals and other businesses that serve food must stop using oils, shortenings and spreads that contain trans fats.
Six months later, the ban will apply to baked goods and other goods containing artificial trans fats.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
The ban does not apply to prepackaged items such as bags of chips or cookies, and does not apply to food or beverages with less than half a gram of trans fat per serving.
Many Boston restaurants say they have already stopped using trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils. The fats, which have been linked to heart disease, are used to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
"There are no health benefits and no level of consumption of artificial trans fat that is considered safe," said Dr. Paula Johnson, a cardiologist who chairs the commission's public health board.
New York and Philadelphia are among the cities that have banned restaurants from using trans fat in food preparation and cooking.
